The Tall Target is directed by Anthony Mann, has a screenplay by George Worthing Yates and Art Cohen. The film stars Dick Powell, Adolphe Menjou, Ruby Dee, Marshall Thompson, Paula Raymond, Leif Erickson and Florence Bates.This film was inspired by a real incident that occurred as Lincoln travelled to his inauguration.Police Detective John Kennedy(Dick Powell)discover a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln as he travels to his Presidential inauguration. Kennedy tells a colleague to meet him on a train and when he boards the train he discovers his colleague has been murdered. A thuggish man (Leif Erickson)steals Kennedy's identity papers, seat and train ticket and claims to be him. Luckily for Kennedy his identity can be verified by a man he knows, Colonel Caleb Jeffers(Adolphe Menjou)who is aboard the train travelling with his soldiers on the way to the inauguration. Kennedy and the mysterious stranger get into a fight in which Kennedy is almost killed, the stranger is shot by Colonel Jeffers.As the hours go on Kennedy becomes convinced the would be presidential assassin is aboard the train. His suspicion falls on Southern brother and sister Lance and Ginny Beaufort(Marshall Thompson and Paula Raymond). Ginny's black maid Rachel(Ruby Dee)may be of help to Kennedy. There's also a talkative author (Florence Bates)and a mysterious woman with a private compartment who has asked not to be disturbed.The film also manages to tackle and discuss the issue of slavery in several scenes too.Suspicion falls on pretty much everyone on the train and that's what makes this such a cracking thriller. We like Kennedy don't know which characters to trust. Powell once again proves what a talented dramatic actor he was and is excellent as Kennedy, not willing to stop until he has the culprit caught. Ruby Dee makes quite an impression as the dignified slave maid, who knows many things and who may be of help to Kennedy.This is a suspenseful and exciting thriller.

This is a taut little who-will-do-it (as opposed to a who-dun-it). Based on real history, it's a fictionalized account of a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on the way to his first inauguration.Dick Powell plays a New York detective (well, actually a resigned detective) trying to track down a person or persons who are plotting to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on his trip to Washington for his first inauguration. Adolphe Menjou plays a new Colonel in the American Army, who, surprisingly, is part of the plot. Marshall Thompson plays a recent graduate of West Point who is a Southerner at heart, and may be part of the plot, as well. Ruby Dee plays a young slave girl. Leif Erickson is a part of the plot, but is killed early on. Will Geer plays a conductor, and the venerable Florence Bates a gossipy northerner.Much of the photography is at night, but is excellently done. It's a black and white film, but somehow that seems appropriate.Dick Powell's performance here is right on target. Powell made only 3 more films after this, although he didn't die (of cancer) for another decade. This is one of the best performances of his that I have seen.Paula Raymond is quite good as a Southern woman whose husband is involved in the plot. There is also a fine performance by Adolphe Menjou, who on occasion, could be extremely effective. Marshall Thompson is very good here, as well.If there is a complaint here, it's the ending. It seems to happen so quickly! It doesn't seem like you're at the end of the film, but end it does.

This is my first submittal to this site. As someone who enjoys old movies, being 54 I have seen thousands in my lifetime, I was delighted to see this film for the first time this morning, in Switzerland of all places. The talented actors with their dramatic portrayal of a true story makes this my favorite Abraham Lincoln assassination plot movie. Though obviously a mid-budget film, the sets and acting were superb for this screenplay. Dick Powell (as John Kennedy), Adolphe Menjou, Will Geer, a young Ruby Dee, Paula Raymond and Marshall Thompson were cast well in their respective roles. It was refreshing to see a movie released in 1951 dealing with the subject of slavery and freedom with the fine black actress, Ruby Dee, being given such a prominent role in the film. All around this is a delight to watch, especially for those who, like me, are history and old movie buffs. The film does need some restoration work but I would change little else in this fine film.

I was totally blown away by this film. Dick Powell played a detective by the name of John Kennedy--who tries to stop a plot to assinate President Lincoln. This film was released in 1951--several years before John Kennedy took office. Also, in the film,there is a scene where one of the conspirators is describing to head honcho, Aldolph Menjou, just where the assassin will be ( in a hotel window ) from where he will shoot President Lincoln with a high powered rifle. This sure hearkens back to all the conspiracy vrs. lone gunman theories that surrounded President Kennedy's assassination. I wonder if Lee Harvey Oswald had seen this film!